Health Library

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder. It is an irrational fear of being trapped in places or situations where escape is difficult. People with agoraphobia may not be able to leave the house.

Causes

The exact cause of anxiety disorders is not known. Factors that may contribute to the development of agoraphobia include:

Genetics

Changes in brain chemistry or activity

Having a nervous system that reacts excessively, even to normal stimuli

Increased awareness of physical changes, such as increased heart rate

Distorted thinking, which may start a cycle of fear

Agoraphobia often develops in people with
panic disorders
. These disorders are associated with frequent and severe panic attacks. Agoraphobia may develop when people begin to avoid certain places or situations to prevent these panic attacks.

Nervous System

Changes or genetic problems in the nervous system (brain and nerves) may contribute to agoraphobia.

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Agoraphobia will be diagnosed by the type and duration of symptoms.

You may be asked questions about your:

Use of alcohol and drugs

Mental health history

Family's mental health history

There are no tests for agoraphobia or panic disorder. Your doctor may order heart or blood tests done to look for an underlying cause.

Treatment

Treatment aims to help you overcome irrational fears and live more independently. Goals include:

Reducing the number and severity of panic attacks

Learning to manage panic attacks that do occur

Treatment of agoraphobia is similar to the treatment of
panic disorder
. Treatments may include:

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive therapy can help to change troublesome thought patterns.
Behavioral therapy will help you learn how you can alter your actions. The combination therapy will help you:

Identify and change anxious thoughts

Use relaxation techniques to decrease feelings of anxiety

Control breathing by taking slower, deeper breaths

Cope with physical changes associated with anxiety

Confront feared situations

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy exposes you to the factor causing the fear while in a safe environment. The sessions often include repeated, detailed imagining of the traumatic experience. The therapy will help people face their fear and gain control of it while it is happening. Exposure therapy methods range anywhere from a gradual approach to the fear to complete confrontation all at once.

Exposure therapy may be done alone or in combination with other treatments.

Medications

Your doctor may prescribe medication as well as therapy. Medication options may include:

Agoraphobia often develops as a response to panic attacks. If you have had a panic attack, instead of avoiding the place or situation, seek medical care. Early treatment for panic attacks can help prevent agoraphobia.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.